Mobile conveyor device for the delivery of tunnel liners

ABSTRACT

A system for folding and deploying liners within tunnels includes a mobile conveyor device having a base frame including a plurality of wheels supporting a support frame. The mobile conveyor device also includes a folding assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a first end of the base frame and a conveyor assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a second end of the base frame.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/103,336, entitled “MOBILE CONVEYOR DEVICE FORTHE DELIVERY OF TUNNEL LINERS,” filed Jan. 14, 2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile conveyor device for thedelivery of tunnel liners. In particular, the invention relates to asystem for the mobile delivery of folded tunnel liners.

2. Description of the Related Art

The process for delivery of liners for tunnels is often cumbersome andthe liners themselves are very heavy, thus requiring a variety ofcomplicated and time-consuming steps. It is appreciated that the term“tunnel” encompasses a variety of structures and as such should beunderstood to refer to horizontal utility lines, manholes, inlets,pipes, tubes, utility entrances, other utility structures, etc. thatlead to underground utility lines. The process can be furthercomplicated when environmental conditions make it difficult to deliverthe liners. As such, a need exists for a convenient, reliable, andefficient system for the delivery of liners for deployment in tunnels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a systemfor the deployment and folding of liners within tunnels. The systemincludes a mobile conveyor device having a base frame with a pluralityof wheels supporting a support frame. A folding assembly is mounted uponthe support frame at a position adjacent a first end of the base frameand a conveyor assembly is mounted upon the support frame at a positionadjacent a second end of the base frame.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a systemincluding a liner crate.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a systemincluding a funnel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the folding assembly includes first and second folding membersshaped and dimensioned to fold a liner upon itself prior to utilityopening insertion.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the first and second folding members are wave-like, arcuatemembers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the conveyor assembly is pivotable relative to the support frameto provide for adjustable tilting of the conveyor assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the conveyor assembly includes a belt conveyor.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a systemincluding a guide member at a first end of the support frame for feedingthe liner into the folding assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the folding assembly includes an elevated platform mounted uponthe support frame for movement between a storage orientation where theelevated platform is positioned over the support frame and a useorientation where the elevated platform extends beyond the first end ofthe support frame.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the folding assembly includes a linear slide assembly thatselectively moves the elevated platform along the longitudinal axis ofthe support frame between the storage orientation and the useorientation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the folding assembly includes a vertical lifting mechanism forcontrolled vertical movement of the elevated platform relative to thesupport frame.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the conveyor assembly extends the entire length of the supportframe, and the elevated platform sits above a portion of the conveyorassembly when it is in its storage position.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein, when the folding assembly is in its use orientation, theelevated platform is moved beyond the end of the conveyor assembly suchthat the entirety of the conveyor assembly is exposed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a systemwherein the support frame supports a winch above the second end of theconveyor assembly for attachment of the winch to the liner so as to pullthe liner.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present system for thedeployment of liners.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present system for thedeployment of liners.

FIG. 3 shows the liner as it is being deployed within a funnel.

FIGS. 4-7 respectively show a front plan view, a side perspective view,a top perspective view and a side view of a mobile conveyor device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mobile conveyor device with theguide member in its use orientation extended from the support platform.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mobile conveyor device in accordancewith an alternate embodiment.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively a perspective view and a side viewshowing an alternate embodiment with a moveable platform member.

FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment of the mobile conveyor device ofFIGS. 1 to 8 with a winch at the second end of the conveyor assembly.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view yet another embodiment of a mobileconveyor device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 from adifferent angle.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 fromthe angle shown in FIG. 14 but with the folding assembly slightlyextended.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are side views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 when in itsstorage orientation.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 when in itsuse orientation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the arthow to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a preferred embodiment of a system 1000employing a mobile conveyor device 10 for the deployment of liners 12within tunnels 14 is disclosed. As will be explained below in greaterdetail, the system 1000 includes a mobile conveyor device 10 pulling aliner 12 from a liner crate 18 and depositing the folded liner 12 fwithin a funnel 20 leading to the utility opening 22 and ultimately thetunnel 14. As will be explained below in greater detail, the mobileconveyor device 10 includes a folding assembly 24 and a conveyorassembly 26, although as will be appreciated based upon the followingdisclosure the folding assembly 24 and the conveyor assembly 26 areintegrally associated. The folding assembly 24 includes first and secondfolding members 28, 30 shaped and dimensioned to fold the liner 12 uponitself (into thirds) prior to insertion of the liner within the utilityopening 22. Once the liner 12 is folded, it is conveyed and funneledthrough a utility opening 22.

It should be appreciated that, in addition to the embodiment disclosedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, other embodiments of the presentinvention are disclosed below. When describing the alternate embodimentsthe focus is upon the differences. As such, and where the structure isthe same as the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, thedescription is not repeated. It should, therefore, be presumed thosestructural elements are the same as that disclosed with reference toFIGS. 1 to 8.

The mobile conveyor device 10 includes a base frame 34 upon which ismounted the operational components of the mobile conveyor device 10. Thebase frame 34 is mobile and includes a plurality of wheels 36 supportinga support frame 38. It is appreciated the plurality of wheels 36 andsupport frame 38 are of a conventional construction providing thedurability, stability and safety necessary for deployment of liners 12in accordance with the present invention. With this in mind, the wheels36 are preferably of a heavy-duty industrial construction and thesupport frame 38 is of a metal construction providing an uppersupporting surface 40 upon which the function components are mounted. Inaddition, the support frame 38 is provided with a plurality of levelingmembers 42 at corners thereof. These leveling members 42 allow forsupport of the base frame 34 at a variety of locations and under variousground conditions. The leveling members 42 also add stability to thebase frame 34 by expanding the landscape over which the mobile conveyordevice 10 is ultimately supported. The base frame 34 also includes ahitch 44 at a first end 46 thereof for selective attachment to atransport truck or other vehicle 48 that might be used to move thepresent mobile conveyor device 10 from location to location.

By way of reference, the support frame 38 of the base frame 34 includesa front first end 52 and a rear second end 54, as well as an uppersupporting surface 40 having four sides 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d. The foursides 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d include opposed first and second long sides40 a, 40 c and opposed first and second short sides 40 b, 40 d. Thefirst short side 40 b is located at the front first end 46 of the baseframe 34 and the second short side 40 d is located at a rear second end47 of the base frame 34. With this in mind, and as will be appreciatedbased upon the following disclosure, the support frame 38 of the baseframe 34 may be thought of as including a front section 56 adjacent thefront first end 52 of the support frame 38 and a rear section 58adjacent the rear second end 54 of the support frame 38.

Secured to the upper supporting surface 40 of the support frame 38 arean adjustable tilting conveyor assembly 26 and a folding assembly 24.The folding assembly 24 and the conveyor assembly 26 are oriented alongthe long axis 60 of the support frame 38 such that a liner 12 may befirst folded by the folding assembly 24 and thereafter conveyed to thetunnel 14 by the conveyor assembly 26.

In particular, the folding assembly 24 includes an elevated platform 62.The elevated platform 62 sits above the upper supporting surface 40 ofthe support frame 38 such that a liner 12 passing through the foldingassembly 24 is properly positioned above the belt conveyor 64 of theconveyor assembly 26 for subsequent folding in accordance with thepresent invention. The folding assembly 24 also includes a first end 98which is aligned with the first end 52 of the support frame 38 and asecond end 100 which is positioned between the first end 52 of thesupport frame 38 and the second end 54 of the support frame 38.

The elevated platform 62 includes a plurality of upwardly verticallyextending legs 65 upon which is mounted a platform member 66. Theupwardly vertically extending legs 65 are fixedly secured to theelevated platform 62 and the platform member 66 to support the platformmember 66 in a static orientation. The platform member 66 includes anupper surface 68 and four sides 70. First and second folding members 28,30 are mounted upon the platform member 66. The first and second foldingmembers 28, 30 are shaped and dimensioned to fold the liner 12 uponitself (into thirds) prior to insertion of the liner 12 into the utilityopening 22. With this in mind, the folding assembly 24 includes thefirst and second folding members 28, 30. The first and second foldingmembers 28, 30 are mirror images of each other and are mounted to theplatform member 66 along their junction and on opposite sides of acentral axis thereof which extends along the longitudinal axis of thesupport frame 38.

The first and second folding members 28, 30 are positioned to engage theunfolded liner 12 as it leaves the supply liner crate 18. The first andsecond folding members 28, 30 are generally wave-like, arcuate memberswhich gradually curve upward from a generally open configuration alignedwith the upper surface of the platform member 66 to a generally upright,closed and overlapping arcuate configuration. The wave-like curvedconfiguration of the first and second folding members 28, 30 causes theliner 12 to fold over itself as it passes between the first and secondfolding members 28, 30.

It is appreciated the first and second folding members 28, 30 are mirrorimages of each other and the below description of the first foldingmember 28 applies equally to the second folding member 30. When viewedfrom the longitudinal axis of the support frame 38, the first foldingmember 28 includes a first end 72 adjacent the first end 52 of thesupport frame 38 and a second end 74 positioned remote from the firstend 52 of the support frame 38 such that it is positioned between thefirst end 52 and the second end 54 of the support frame 38. As such, thefirst folding member 28 includes a lower longitudinal edge 76, an upperlongitudinal edge 78, a first edge 80 at the first end 72 thereof and asecond edge 82 at the second end 74 thereof.

The lower longitudinal edge 76 is shaped and dimensioned to sit upon theplatform member 66. The lower longitudinal edge 76 is also shaped anddimensioned to be joined with the lower longitudinal edge 76 of thesecond folding member 30.

As for the first edge 80 and the second edge 82, they both extendbetween the lower longitudinal edge 76 and the upper longitudinal edge78 but they exhibit different curvatures and lengths that dictate theultimate ability of the first and second folding members 28, 30 to foldliner 12 passing therebetween. In particular, and when viewed in a planeperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support frame 38, thefirst edge 80 exhibits a radius of curvature and a length which are bothlarger than the radius of curvature and length of the second edge 82. Assuch, the first folding member 28 gradually transitions from thecurvature and length of the first edge 80 to the curvature and length ofthe second edge 82. In doing this, the relative position of the lowerlongitudinal edge 76 and the upper longitudinal edge 78 changes alongthe length of the first folding member 28. In particular, at the firstedge 80 of the first folding member 28, the upper longitudinal edge 78is removed a distance “a” from the plane bisecting the support frame 38,and the upper longitudinal edge 78 is removed a distance “b” from theplane bisecting the support frame 38, wherein the distance “a” isgreater than the distance “b”. This creates a greater overlap of theupper and lower sections 84, 86 of the first folding member 28 in thearea adjacent the second edge 82 thereof when compared to the overlap ofthe upper and lower sections 84, 86 of the first folding member 28 inthe area adjacent the first edge 80.

As mentioned above, the present mobile conveyor device 10 also includesa conveyor assembly 26. The conveyor assembly 26 includes a beltconveyor 64 (preferably, a motor powered belt conveyor under the controlof a control system 69) aligned with the second end 100 of the foldingassembly 24 such that liner 12, which has been folded may be drawntherefrom and moved to a utility opening 22 for delivery to the tunnel14 as is known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the beltconveyor 64 includes a first end 88 positioned adjacent the second end100 of the folding assembly 24 wherein the second edges 82 of the firstand second folding members 28, 30 complete the folding of the liner 12passing therethough. The belt conveyor 64 also includes a second end 92,opposite the first end 88, and a belt 71 extending thereabout forcontinual motion under the control of a drive mechanism (not shown).

The belt conveyor 64 is supported for pivotal movement about an axisperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support frame 38. Inparticular, the first end 88 of the belt conveyor 64 is pivotallysecured to the conveyor frame 90 while the second end 92 of the beltconveyor 64 is supported by an adjustment arm 94 that may be selectivelymoved under the control of a hydraulic drive 96 to adjust theinclination of the belt conveyor 64. In this way the horizontal positionof the second end 92 of the belt conveyor 64 may be adjusted toaccommodate various characteristics of the location to which the liner12 must be delivered.

Movement of the liner 12 from the liner crate 18 to the folding assembly24 is further facilitated by the provision of a guide member 110 at thefirst end 52 of the support frame 38. The guide member 110 is storedbelow the upper surface 68 and within the platform member 66. In thisway, the guide member 110 may be retracted from its storage (andtransport) orientation when its use is required (see FIG. 8). The guidemember 110 includes a series of rollers 112 allowing the liner 12 to beconveniently fed into the folding assembly 24 and conveyor assembly 26.The coupled end of the guide member 110 is pivotally coupled to theplatform member 66 such that the angular orientation thereof may beadjusted to suit specific working requirements. It is appreciated that avariety of mechanisms for inclination of the platform member may beemployed.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment as disclosed with referenceto FIG. 9, the folding assembly 1024 and conveyor assembly 1026 areconstructed so that the conveyor assembly 1026 forms part of the foldingassembly 1024 in that the belt 1071 of the belt conveyor 1064 extendsthe length of the conveyor assembly 1026 and the folding assembly 1024so as to pull the liner 12 along the entire assembly, in particular,through the first and second folding members 1028, 1030. As such, thebelt 1071 extends from the second end 1092 of the belt conveyor 1064 tothe side of the elevated platform 1062 opposite the conveyor assembly1026, that is, the first end 1100 of the folding assembly 1024, suchthat a pulling force is applied to liner 12 from a position prior to thefirst and second folding members 1028, 1030 until the liner 12 isdeposited into a delivery funnel 1020 and ultimately the tunnel. As withthe prior embodiment, the belt conveyor 1064 is under the control of acontrol system (not shown).

In accordance with such an embodiment, it is appreciated the conveyorassembly 1026 still includes a first end 1088 positioned adjacent to thesecond end 1100 of the folding assembly 1024 and a second end 1092 fromwhich the liner 12 is deposited, and that the belt conveyor 1064 issupported for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the support frame 1038 to allow for the adjustmentof the horizontal position of the second end 1092 of the belt conveyor1064 to accommodate various characteristics of the location to which theliner 12 must be delivered.

In addition to the provision of a belt 1071 extending the entire lengthof the folding assembly 1024 and the conveyor assembly 1026, thisembodiment also includes a slightly different construction for the firstand second folding members 1028, 1030. As with the prior embodiment, thefirst and second folding members 1028, 1030 are mirror images of eachother and the below description of the first folding member 1028 appliesequally to the second folding member 1030. When viewed from thelongitudinal axis of the support frame 1038, the first folding member1028 includes a first end 1072 adjacent the first end 1052 of thesupport frame 1038 and a second end 1074 positioned remote from thefirst end 1052 of the support frame 1038 such that it is positionedbetween the first end 1052 and the second end 1054 of the support frame1038. As such, the first folding member 1028 includes a lowerlongitudinal edge 1076, an upper longitudinal edge 1078, a first edge1080 at the first end 1072 thereof and a second edge 1082 at the secondend 1074 thereof.

The lower longitudinal edge 1076 is shaped and dimensioned to sit uponthe platform member 1066. As for the first edge 1080 and the second edge1082, they both extend between the lower longitudinal edge 1076 and theupper longitudinal edge 1078, and the first folding member 1028 exhibitsa consistent curvature as it extends from the first edge 1080 to thesecond edge 1082.

The first folding member 1028 also includes a longitudinal axisextending from the first edge 1080 to the second edge 1082 and thelongitudinal axis is oriented at an oblique angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of the belt 1071, the conveyor assembly 1064 and theremainder of the mobile conveyor device 1010. Similarly, the secondfolding member 1030 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of the belt 1071, the conveyor assembly 1064 and theremainder of the mobile conveyor device 1010, but with a mirror image ofthe orientation of the first folding member 1028 such that both theconcave surfaces of the first and second folding members 1028, 1030 facea center line of the mobile conveyor device 1010.

This embodiment is also provided with a guide member 1110 at the firstend 1052 of the support frame 1038. As with the prior embodiment, theguide member 1110 is stored below the upper surface 1068 and within theplatform member 1066. The guide member 1110 includes a series of rollers1112 allowing the liner 12 to be conveniently fed into the foldingassembly 1024 and conveyor assembly 1026. The guide member 1110 ispivotally coupled to the platform member 1066 such that the angularorientation thereof may be adjusted to suit specific workingrequirements. It is appreciated that a variety of mechanisms forinclination of the platform member may be employed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, and with reference to FIGS.10 and 11, the need for a guide member may be obviated by constructingthe platform member 2066 such that its position may be adjusted forcontrolled movement to a position closer to a truck 2048 from which theliner 2012 is being supplied. In particular, such an embodiment willallow the platform member 2066 to be supported at a position above theconveyor assembly 2026 during transport and moved during use for idealpositioning. As with the prior embodiment, the elevated platform 2062includes a plurality of upwardly vertically extending legs 2065 uponwhich is mounted a platform member 2066, upon which the folding assembly2024 is mounted. However, and in contrast to the embodiment disclosedwith reference to FIGS. 1-8, the upwardly vertically extending legs 2065are not fixedly secured to the elevated platform 2062, but are ratherpivotally secured to the platform member 2066 of the elevated platform2062. As such, the platform member 2066 is able to move in a forward andrearward manner under the control of actuators 2067 controlling theposition of the legs 2065 relative to the elevated platform 2062. Theactuators may be of any type capable of controlling the movement of theplatform member 2066 in accordance with the present invention. As withthe prior embodiments, the belt conveyor 2064 and actuators 2067 areunder the control of a control system 2069.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIGS.13 to 19, the elevated platform 3062 is moved using a linear movementsystem 3063. As with the prior embodiments, the belt conveyor 3064 andlinear movement system 3063 are under the control of a control system3069 a, 3069 b. In particular, and as with the embodiment disclosed withreference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the platform member 3066 of the elevatedplatform 3062 is supported by a plurality of upwardly verticallyextending legs 3065 a-d. Each of the upwardly vertically extending legs3065 a-d includes a first end 3124 and second end 3126, wherein thefirst end 3124 is secured to a linear slide assembly 3128 thatselectively moves along the longitudinal axis of the base frame 3034.The second end 3126 of each of the upwardly vertically extending legs3065 a-d is secured to the platform member 3066 of the elevated platform3062.

The linear slide assembly 3128 relies upon a telescopic assemblycomposed of static guide members 3130 in which support members 3132 aremounted for linear movement relative thereto under the control ofhydraulic pistons 3134 acting upon the support members 3132 to causemovement thereof. While movement of the elevated platform 3062 along thelongitudinal axis of the base frame 3034 is achieved via the linearslide assembly 3128, the vertical movement of the platform member 3066of the elevated platform 3062 is achieved by constructing the upwardlyvertically extending legs 3065 a-d with a telescopic construction andassociated hydraulic piston 3136 with each of the upwardly verticallyextending legs 3065.

As discussed above with regard to the embodiment disclosed withreference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the folding assembly 24 includes an elevatedplatform 62. The elevated platform 62 sits above the upper supportingsurface 40 of the support frame 38 such that the folding assembly 24 isproperly positioned in horizontal alignment with the belt conveyor 64 ofthe conveyor assembly 26 for folding and subsequent conveyance of thefolded liner 12 f as the conveyor assembly 26 draws the liner 12 fordepositing the folded liner 12 f within a funnel 20 leading to theutility opening 22 and ultimately the tunnel 14. In accordance with theembodiments disclosed in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13 to 19, the folding assembly2024, 3024 is constructed for selective movement between a storage (andtransport) orientation and a use orientation. As will be appreciatedbased upon the following disclosure, when the folding assembly 2024,3024 is in its storage orientation the first end 2098, 3098 thereof isaligned or adjacent with the first end 2052, 3052 of the support frame2038, 3038 and the second end 2100, 3100 thereof is positioned betweenthe first end 2052, 3052 of the support frame 2038, 3038 and the secondend 2054, 3054 of the support frame 2038, 3038. When the foldingassembly 2024, 3024 is in its use orientation the first end 2098, 3098thereof is moved to extend beyond the first end 2052, 3052 of thesupport frame 2038, 3038 and the second end 2100, 3100 thereof ispositioned adjacent the first end of the support frame 2038, 3038 andover the first end 2088, 3088 of the belt conveyor 2064, 3064 of theconveyor assembly 2026, 3026.

More particularly, and In accordance with the alternate embodimentdisclosed with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19, the elevated platform 3062is moved using a linear movement system 3063 composed of a a linearslide assembly 3128 and a vertical lifting mechanism 3129 as will bediscussed below in greater detail. In particular, as briefly describedabove and as with the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 10and 11, the platform member 3066 of the elevated platform 3062 issupported by a plurality of upwardly vertically extending legs 3065 a-d.Each of the upwardly vertically extending legs 3065 a-d includes a firstend 3124 and second end 3126, wherein the first end 3124 is secured tothe linear slide assembly 3128 that selectively moves along thelongitudinal axis of the base frame 3034. The second end 3126 of each ofthe upwardly vertically extending legs 3065 a-d is secured to theplatform member 3066.

The linear slide assembly 3128 relies upon a telescopic assemblycomposed of static guide members 3130 in which support members 3132 aremounted for linear movement relative thereto under the control ofhydraulic pistons 3134, which are controlled by the control system(which is composed of control system units 3069 a, 3069 b), acting uponthe support members 3132 to cause movement thereof. The first ends 3124of the upwardly vertically extending legs 3065 a-d are secured to thesupport members 3132 and consequently move under the control of thelinear slide assembly 3128 as the support members 3132 are movedrelative to the static guide members 3130.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic pistons 3134extend between the static guide members 3130 and the two rearwardupwardly vertically extending legs 3065 c, 3065 d. As such, andconsidering the connection of the first ends 3124 of the two upwardlyvertically extending legs 3065 c, 3065 d to the support members 3132,the lateral forces applied to the two upwardly vertically extending legs3065 are transferred to the support members 3132 causing the supportmembers 3132 to move relative to the static guide members 3130 forcausing linear movement of the elevated platform 3062 along the lengthof the based frame 3034.

While movement of the elevated platform 3062 along the longitudinal axisof the base frame 3034 is achieved via the linear slide assembly 3128,the vertical movement of the platform member 3066 of the elevatedplatform 3062 is achieved by the vertical lifting mechanism 3129. Inparticular, the vertical lifting mechanism is achieved by constructingthe upwardly vertically extending legs 3065 with a telescopicconstruction and associating a hydraulic piston 3136 with each theupwardly vertically extending legs 3065. In particular, each of thehydraulic pistons 3136 includes a first end 3140 secured to the supportmember 3132 and second end 3142 secured to the platform member 3066 ofthe elevated platform 3062. As a result, when the hydraulic pistons 3136are actuated to either extend or retract under the control of thecontrol system 3069, the platform member 3066 is similarly elevated orretracted.

Through the controlled manipulation of the linear slide assembly 3128and the hydraulic pistons 3136 it is possible to move the elevatedplatform 3062 to a desired position relative to a truck without unduemovement of the mobile conveyor device 3010. In accordance with apreferred embodiment, and considering the mobile conveyor device 3010has been parked and it is now desired to move the elevated platform 3062to a desired operating position, the platform member 3066 of theelevated platform 3062 is first lifted under the control of thehydraulic pistons 3136. Thereafter, the linear slide assembly 3128 ismoved such that the support members 3132 are pushed toward, and beyond,the first end 3052 of the support frame 3038 to move the elevatedplatform 3062 beyond the first end 3052 of the support frame 3038 andexpose additional portions of the conveyor assembly 3026.

In particular, the conveyor assembly 3026 runs the entire length of thesupport frame 3038, and the platform member 3066 of the elevatedplatform 3062 sits above a portion of the conveyor assembly 3026 when itis in its storage (and transport) orientation as shown in FIGS. 16, 17and 18. In fact, the end 3088 of the belt conveyor 3064 is provided withsupport members 3150 shaped and dimensioned for positioning of thesupport platform 3066 of the elevated platform 3062 thereon when theelevated platform 3062 is in its storage orientation sitting over theconveyance assembly 3024 (see FIGS. 16 to 18).

However, and when the linear slide assembly 3128 is moved such that theelevated platform 3062 is pushed toward, and beyond, the first end 3052of the support frame 3038, more of the conveyor assembly 3026 isexposed. In fact, and in accordance with this embodiment, it is possibleto move the elevated platform 3062 beyond the first end 3088 of the beltconveyor 3064 of the conveyor assembly 3026 such that the entirety ofthe belt conveyor 3064 is exposed. Further, the hydraulic pistons 3136may be used to control the height of the platform member 3066 of theelevated platform 3062 such that it is positioned above, below or inhorizontal alignment with the belt conveyor 3064. This is the preferreduse orientation and is shown in FIG. 19. Ultimately, the more of thebelt conveyor 3064 that comes into contact with the liner 12 during theinstallation process the more friction is created to allow for the liner12 to be effectively pulled from the truck and directed to the pipelinetunnel for installation.

The first and second folding members 3028, 3030 of the embodimentdisclosed with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19, are substantially the sameas those disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. The first and secondfolding members 3028, 3030 are generally wave-like, arcuate memberswhich gradually curve upward from a generally open configuration alignedwith the upper surface 3068 of the platform member 3066 to a generallyupright, closed and overlapping arcuate configuration. The wave-likecurved configuration of the first and second folding members 3028, 3030causes the liner 12 to fold over as it passes between the first andsecond folding members 3028, 3030.

It is appreciated the first and second folding members 3028, 3030 aremirror images of each other and the below description of the firstfolding member 3028 applies equally to the second folding member 3030.When viewed from the longitudinal axis of the support frame 3038 and inits storage orientation, the first folding member 3028 includes a firstend 3072 adjacent the first end 3052 of the support frame 3038 and asecond end 3074 positioned remote from the first end 3052 of the supportframe 3038 such that it is positioned between the first end 3052 and thesecond end 3054 of the support frame 3038. As such, the first foldingmember 3028 includes a lower longitudinal edge 3076, an upperlongitudinal edge 3078, a first edge 3080 at the first end 3072 thereofand a second edge 3082 at the second end 3074 thereof.

The lower longitudinal edge 3076 is shaped and dimensioned to sit uponthe platform member 3066 for pivotal movement relative to the platformmember 3066. The lower longitudinal edge 3076 is also shaped anddimensioned to be joined with the lower longitudinal edge 3076 of thesecond folding member 3030 (which is similarly supported upon theplatform member 3066 for pivotal movement relative to thereto). Becausethe first and second folding members 3028, 3030 are mounted for pivotalmovement relative to the platform member 3066 their relative positionsmay be adjusted to optimize folding as the liner passes therebetween.This is achieved by supporting the first and second members 3028, 3030with support bars 3172, including turnbuckles 3174, extending betweenthe platform member 3066 and the upper longitudinal edge 3078. Byadjusting the length of the support bars 3172 one can adjust therelative position of the first and second folding members 3028, 3030 asdesired to optimize the folding of liners 12 as they pass therethrough.

As for the first edge 3080 and the second edge 3082, they both extendbetween the lower longitudinal edge 3076 and the upper longitudinal edge3078 but they exhibit different curvatures and lengths that dictate theultimate ability of the first and second folding members 3028, 3030 tofold liner 12 passing therebetween. In particular, and when viewed in aplane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support frame 3038,the first edge 3080 exhibits a radius of curvature and a length whichare both larger than the radius of curvature and length of the secondedge 3082. As such, the first folding member 3028 gradually transitionsfrom the curvature and length of the first edge 3080 to the curvatureand length of the second edge 3082. In doing this, the relative positionof the lower longitudinal edge 3076 and the upper longitudinal edge 3078changes along the length of the first folding member 3028. Inparticular, at the first edge 3080 of the first folding member 3028, theupper longitudinal edge 3078 is removed a distance “a” from the planebisecting the support frame 3038, and the upper longitudinal edge 3078is removed a distance “b” from the plane bisecting the support frame3038, wherein the distance “a” is greater than the distance “b”. Thiscreates a greater overlap of the upper and lower sections of the firstfolding member 3028 in the area adjacent the second edge 3082 thereofwhen compared to the overlap of the upper and lower sections 3084, 3086of the first folding member 3028 in the area adjacent the first edge3080.

Passage of the liner through the folding assembly 3024 is furtherenhanced by providing a V-shaped guide member 3176 upon the platformmember 3066 adjacent the first end 3072 of the first and second foldingmembers 3028, 3030.

Regardless of the embodiment of the mobile conveyor device employed(although the following disclosure references the embodiment disclosedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 8), the complete system 1000 for thedelivery of the liner 12 in accordance with the present inventionfurther includes a liner crate 18 which is supported adjacent the firstend of the guide member 110 and a delivery funnel 20 which is positionedwithin the utility opening 22 for passage of the folded liner 12 ftherethrough. As for the liner crate 18 it is preferably supported upona truck 48 pulling the mobile conveyor device 10. In particular, it ispreferably supported at the rear 48 r of the truck 48 at a positionadjacent the first end of the guide member 110. In this way, and withreference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the liner 12 may be pulled through thefolding assembly 24, laid upon the belt conveyor 64 after folding anddrawn forward over the second end 92 of the belt conveyor 64 where it isdropped into the funnel 20 leading to the utility opening 22 and thetunnel 14. A continuous flow of folded liner 12 f may be provided inthis manner as the conveyor assembly 26 will pull the liner 12 of theliner crate 18 through the folding assembly 24 and the folded liner 12 fis then dropped though the funnel 20 under the control of gravity whereit makes its way into the tunnel 14.

In accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein, the initialpositioning of the liner 12 along the mobile conveyor device 10, 2010,3010 that is, initially pulling the liner 12 from the liner crate 18 tothe utility opening 22 such that it lies upon the conveyor assembly 26,2026, 3026 may be achieved with the provision of a winch 120, 2120, 3120at the second end 92, 2192, 3192 of the conveyor assembly 26, 2026, 3026(see FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17). A support frame 122, 2122, 3122supports the winch 120, 2120, 3120 above the conveyor assembly 26, 2026,3026 such that it may be attached to the liner so as to pull it from theliner crate 18 to the second end 92, 2092, 3092 of the conveyorassembly. The winch 120, 2120, 3120 may also be used for variousoperations with the utility opening 22 should the power offered by thewinch 120, 2120, 3120 be useful.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for folding and deploying linerswithin tunnels, comprising: a mobile conveyor device including: a baseframe including a plurality of wheels, the base frame supporting asupport frame; a folding assembly mounted upon the support frame at aposition adjacent a first end of the base frame, the folding assemblyincludes first and second folding members pivotally supported upon aplatform member, each of the first and second folding members is anarcuate member and includes a lower longitudinal edge and an upperlongitudinal edge, wherein the lower longitudinal edge sits upon theplatform member allowing for pivotal movement of the first and secondfolding members relative to the platform member; and a conveyor assemblymounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a second end ofthe base frame.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further including aliner crate.
 3. The system according to claim 1, further including afunnel.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the folding assemblyincludes first and second folding members shaped and dimensioned to folda liner upon itself prior to utility opening insertion.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 4, wherein the first and second folding members arewave-like, arcuate members.
 6. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe conveyor assembly is pivotable relative to the support frame toprovide for adjustable tilting of the conveyor assembly.
 7. The systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the conveyor assembly includes a beltconveyor.
 8. The system according to claim 1, further including a guidemember at a first end of the support frame for feeding the liner intothe folding assembly.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein asupport frame supports a winch above the second end of the conveyorassembly for attachment of the winch to the liner so as to pull theliner.
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein support barsincluding turnbuckles extending between the platform member and therespective upper longitudinal edges of the first and second foldingmembers.
 11. A system for folding and deploying liners within tunnels,comprising: a mobile conveyor device including: a base frame including aplurality of wheels, the base frame supporting a support frame; afolding assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent afirst end of the base frame; and a conveyor assembly mounted upon thesupport frame at a position adjacent a second end of the base frame;wherein the folding assembly includes an elevated platform mounted uponthe support frame for movement between a storage orientation where theelevated platform is positioned over the support frame and a userorientation where the elevated platform extends beyond the first end ofthe support frame.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein thefolding assembly includes linear slide assembly that selectively movesthe elevated platform along the longitudinal axis of the support framebetween the storage orientation and the use orientation.
 13. The systemaccording to claim 12, wherein the folding assembly includes a verticallifting mechanism for controlled vertical movement of the elevatedplatform relative to the support frame.
 14. The system according toclaim 11, wherein the folding assembly includes a vertical liftingmechanism for controlled vertical movement of the elevated platformrelative to the support frame.
 15. The system according to claim 11,wherein the conveyor assembly extends the entire length of the supportframe, and the elevated platform sits above a portion of the conveyorassembly when it is in its storage orientation.
 16. The system accordingto claim 15, wherein, when the folding assembly is in its useorientation, the elevated platform is moved beyond the end of theconveyor assembly such that the entirety of the conveyor assembly isexposed.
 17. The system according to claim 11, wherein, when the foldingassembly is in its use orientation, the elevated platform is movedbeyond the end of the conveyor assembly such that the entirety of theconveyor assembly is exposed.